So here we are! This is a pretty big event for the whole entire trip that I personally organized from the beginning even before we left the States. We were to ride the JR train across Tokyo and reach Osaka! The purpose? USJ.

Universal Studios Japan

That is a blog all by itself for sure but in the meantime, the train ride!

To preface, I’ve done the research and calculated the fairs, checked in online at a hostile, and even more. My small team of peers were on board and ready to tackle this mini adventure. I might show the information that gathered for this trip on this post in the future but it doesn’t really add anything. I just want it to be known that I did a lot of research to get us away from the “study abroad” group and on our own as, well… tourist. It was huge to get on board and take off.

The train ride was a few hours in total and very easy. The hardest part was any transitions at a station. Those lines and icons for other transfers can be disorienting. Once on the train, you get to be greeted with a hostess with goodies. I often got a sprite or some soda with some snacks. It was really relaxing. I played my Nintendo 3DS for a large portion of the ride, a few little music games and I believe Zelda Majoras Mask. There was power outlets on board so keeping things charged was easy. This helped with the phone and WiFi devices as they chewed up data and battery throughout the days.

The scenery outside was inspiring. I cant say that looking out the windows any other time in my life was as thought provoking as riding the JR. The town, city, country was so appealing to observe. The sea and lakes came in and out of the window at a moments notice. Birds and some animals in sight. The greenery was lush and almost ancient looking. Fascinating at the least! I could honestly stay on a train for hours and hours.

When we reach our destination, we buckle up the backpacks and move onward to the hostel that we rented out.